Thursday, March 22, 2012

Happy Hour again?? Blueberry-Pineapple Champagne Sparklers


No, this isn’t turning into a cocktails-only blog (although that wouldn’t be the worst idea ever from a test-kitchen standpoint). At the moment, it’s turned into an “I have an incredibly high-maintenance dog who I can’t be more than three feet from because he just had surgery and keeps trying to rip his sutures out even with a cone on” blog.  (Just a friendly warning to those of you considering ever owning a dachshund: they’re very long and very persistent. Our little Houdini can reach his backside even ensconced in his cone.)

Having to be practically attached at the hip to a dog sort of takes cooking out of the equation. And by the time I’m “relieved” from my dog-watching shift, I just want to lie down (and maybe cry a little). According to our vet, because of our dog’s very high-strung and anxious nature, it makes this sort of ordeal about three billion times worse than with a “normal” dog.  (That number may have been my approximation, but I swear it’s not an exaggeration.)

Since no cooking means no new material, I’m pulling this cocktail from my archives and taking the easy way out.


Blueberry-Pineapple Champagne Sparklers

1 cup blueberries
1 cup pineapple juice
2 teaspoons chopped mint leaves
superfine sugar, as needed
1 bottle champagne

Puree blueberries, pineapple juice and mint in a blender. Taste for tartness. If needed, blend in sugar to taste. Strain.

Pour 2-3 tablespoons juice into flutes and slowly top with champagne.


As you’ve probably figured by now, I adore champagne in most any form. And this sparkling cocktail doesn’t disappoint. It’s got a bright, refreshing tropical flavor and amazing color...you couldn’t ask for more out of a champagne cocktail.

24 comments:

  1. Oh the color of this is just stunning! How beautiful!

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  2. Looks yummy! But oh no poor doggie :( hope he stops trying. I figure it's because it itches, can the vet give him something?? Maybe talk to the vet about a little baby Benadryl. It will make him a bit sleepy, so you can take a break & he won't be trying to get to the stiches. Sending you love!

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  3. This looks like the perfect summer cocktail!

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  4. This sounds so refreshing! I love the combination of ingredients too. Best of luck dog sitting!

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  5. Awe poor little doggie! This drink looks fabulous!! Perfect for this great spring weather we're having!

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  6. Aw!! I swear those cones do more harm than good! It sounds like you need a glass of this blueberry sparkler! It looks delicious!

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  7. Poor dog :( Good luck with everything. This drink sounds like a wonderful segway into this warm weather we are getting!

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  8. Hope your pup is feeling better soon! This drink looks fabulous...seriously! Fruity champagne drinks are right up my alley...a Kir Royale is my all-time favorite fancy-pants drink!!!

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  9. Wow this looks beautiful and so refreshing! I have to try. Love the fresh mint too!

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  10. Karen...can I come over? I'll help you babysit the dog in exchange for a cocktail. :) Looks amazing.

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  11. Sounds perfect for a summer celebration!

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  12. This looks so beautiful - I may not be allowed to drink it for another 2 years but I can certainly appreciate its beauty :D

    Cheers
    Choc Chip Uru
    Latest: Layered Double Nutella Cheesecake Brownies

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  13. Oh..the drink looks so refreshing..perfect for any time!

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  14. Oh I need to make this! Love the pineapple in it!!!

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  15. What an absolutely gorgeous looking cocktail! I had an easier time with my pup but, either way, it will pass soon enough. Although, drinking instead of cooking is not so bad :)

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  16. That is the most stunning color! Very pretty - I do not like pineapple, but just for the color I'd want a sip of this :)

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  17. I love the color on this! I can't wait til blueberries are in season, what a perfect breakfast cocktail (like I need an excuse, right? ;))

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  18. This looks positively divine and you deserve it. We have a westie puppy. She had surgery a few months ago and had to wear the cone of death too. She literally hurled herself into every object in her path in an attempt to remove it. I ended up taking it off after she smacked herself (on purpose I add) into our dresser half a dozen times. I thought she was going to kill herself after the first day. Which meant having to watch her like a hawk if it was off. I put it on at night so we could sleep. I woke up one morning to her having both her front paws caught up under it trying to get it off. Poor thing. I feel you pain and think you should have a dozen of these. xx

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  19. I love champagne in any form too. This sounds like the perfect cocktail to unwind with after a crazy day. It is such a beautiful color...the photos are so tempting. Hope your dog feels better soon!

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  20. Hi. How many does this recipe makes?

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    1. @Yvette - I don't remember exactly how many flutes, but it's enough juice for the bottle of champagne.

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  21. I'm concerned about the mint blended up. would it show up in little pieces in the drink, or do you mean just put a mint leaf in the drink??

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    1. Hi Heather, The mint goes into the puree, then when you strain it, the blueberry and mint solids get mostly strained out. But as you can see in the pictures, a little bit does remain behind.

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  22. It is similarly as furious to stock your own liquor bureau from the close by liquor store. Liquor store near Clinton mo

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